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To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older;
- Be a Legal Permanent Resident ("Green Card" holder)
for at least 5 years, or 3 years if you are married to a U.S.
citizen. You may submit an Application for Naturalization to
the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
3 months before you reach the residency requirement;
- Be a person of good moral character;
- Be able to speak, read, write and understand ordinary English
words and phrases. If you are over 55 years old and have lived
in the United States as a Legal Permanent Resident for 15 years,
or are over 50 years old and have lived in the United States
as a Legal Permanent Resident for 20 years, you may be exempt
from this requirement;
- Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the
fundamentals of U.S. history and principles of government.
You must also:
- Submit an Application for Naturalization to the USCIS, with
the application fee, and two photos. You will later be fingerprinted in order for the FBI to check whether you
have committed a crime which might disqualify you from citizenship;
- Be interviewed by a USCIS officer when you are scheduled for
an appointment; and
- If you are approved for citizenship by the USCIS, take the
Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.
Special exceptions to some of the general requirements above
for citizenship are available for the disabled, members of the military,
veterans, spouses married to U.S. citizens living overseas, and
Legal Permanent Residents who work for certain organizations that
promote U.S. interests abroad.
If you are the minor child (under 18 years of age) of a U.S. citizen
and were born outside the United States, you may automatically be
eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship.
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